Jenna Zamary & Allyson Reno

Outline of Medieval Essay

  1. Thesis: The Medieval period was called “dark” because of the ignorant reliance on religion.

2. In the Medieval period all art forms became influenced by Christianity.

  1. Scenes from the bible
  2. Christian Events
  3. Konrad Witz, Duccio di Buoninsegna

3. Medieval literature was produced by artists intimidated by the church power.

  1. Anonymity
  2. Church Fathers
  3. Beowulf, The Cloud of Unknowing, Digenis Acritas

4. The architecture from this time are plain, and unknown because they lacked freedom under the church power.

1. Very plain
2. Lacked detail
3. Example: Castles

5. Conclusion

The Medieval period was called “Dark” because of the ignorant reliance on religion. Everything from art to the architecture and the medieval human mind was centered around religion or adoration of a higher power. The church prohibited the freedom of any kind of artistic expression which turned the lights out on literature and art in that time.

In the medieval period all art forms became influenced by Christianity. The change art experienced in this period is highly noticable when compared to previous time periods. The only art works that come from the Dark Ages are scenes from the bible, or art portraying Christian events from the time. All other art forms were ignored and prohibited. Some examples of this art are works by Konrad Witz, who made an altar piece of the Virgin, Giotto, who painted "Kiss of Judas," and Duccio di Buoninsegna who is famous for "Stoclet Madonna." All of these artists works depiced religious creations. You can easily realize that Christianity had a strong hold on the art during this time from the religious aspects represented in all of the art works of the Medieval Period.

Medieval literature was produced by artists imtimidated by the church power. The literature of the medieval period can contribute greatly to the common name "The Dark Ages." The literature touches all points and is very complex. Latin was a common language for medieval writings because the church was really the only source of education at the time. However, what separates it from the work we see today is its anonymity. An author's role from a period like the medieval as opposed to one like the romantic is very different. They were often restrained by church fathers because the church did hold all the power during this time. Their intimidation made authors ,who either embellished older pieces of work or invented their own, not find the gift of honor be important. Therefore, much of medieval literature is not claimed to be owned by any specific person. Some examples of medieval literature are Beowulf, Digenis Acritas, and The Cloud of Unknowing. Beowulf is an epic poem about a hero and can be seen as one of the most important works of Anglo Saxon literature. Digenis Acritas is also an epic that tells about a hero and is known in many folk songs. Finally, The Cloud of Unknowing is a guidebook to seeking God. It was an inspiration to cryptic searchers. In the end, literature makes the Medieval period dark because of the unacknowledged authors who had a ban on expression.

The architecture of the medieval period was "Dark" because not many people's work was unknown. Many architectures did not have the oppurtunity to show their talent. They had rules and regulations to follow from their leaders who did not let them tribute to their country because it was against their religion to speak for themselves. The architecture in the Dark Ages were harsh and very plain. For example Castles didn't have much to them but stone and they had sort of an early essance to them. Most of these structures were built to protect people from other kingdoms. It seemed that every one during this time period were very perinoid and on edge due to the fact that they were always under attack from other kingdoms.